Train your mind like you train your body

motivation postpartum Jan 05, 2022

The research is clear. You can improve your physical and mental health by thinking this more frequently…

Neuroscientists tell us that because body-centric lifestyle changes (like diet and exercise) are difficult to maintain, they recommend starting with the mind. And they've identified the one thought that, when regularly focused upon, is most likely to propel your mind and body into an upward spiral.

That thought? Gratitude.

I know, i know, sounds kind of granola right..? But there's actually extensive research into the positive mental and physical effect of that specific thought and emotion, according to a fascinating article published by the Wharton Health Care Management Alumni Association. Here are a few highlights:

1. Gratitude makes you more likely to exercise.

People who keep gratitude journals "reported fewer health complaints, more time exercising, and fewer symptoms of physical illness." (According to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology)

2. Gratitude reduces your stress level.

"Cultivating appreciation and other positive emotions showed lower levels of stress hormones [specifically] a 23 percent reduction in cortisol and 100 percent increase in DHEA/DHEAS levels." (According to a study published by National Center for Biotechnology Information)

3. Gratitude improves the quality of your sleep.

Regularly focusing on gratitude and thankfulness "improved quality of sleep and resulted in longer sleep hours." (According to a study conducted at the University of Manchester and published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research)

4. Gratitude increases your emotional well-being.

Gratitude leads to lower depression and higher levels of social support while making you less likely to practice negative self talk. (According to studies published in the Journal of Research in Personality)

5. Gratitude makes your heart stronger and healthier.

The presence of gratitude in a patient "may independently predict superior cardiovascular health." Other studies show that gratitude increases physical activity and therefore the speed of recovery for heart patients while reducing their inflammatory biomarkers. (According to research conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital)

"Gratitude makes you more likely to exercise" Ain't that the truth! So what are you grateful for today? I’m grateful for my strong health and quality time with friends and family. I would love to hear from you. Send me a message and let me know what you’re grateful for today!

Emma xo

PS. If you want to train your mind by committing to weekly workouts and group homework, my all new Postpartum Membership is for you! You’ll receive lifetime access to my prerecorded 12 week course. PLUS 2 live zoom classes/week.

Maybe you’ve purchased my self paced course already but haven’t managed to commit to completing it..? This is your opportunity to get the accountability and community you need to complete the course and finally get the results you were looking for. And this is an ongoing membership, so stay for as long as you’d like!

Here’s what some of my previous mammas who’ve done the live round already are saying:

"It’s been 9 weeks and my body has seen a huge change! My belly is flatter, my core feels integrated, and I can actually feel my abs when I workout. I can run without leaking/peeing! Sex feels better, and most importantly i feel stronger, more confident and happier with my body." - Amelia Travis

"I have noticed a significant decrease in pain during sexual activity, stronger abs and body overall. Less back and hip pain. And more stamina. The live classes are really beneficial for me because I feel motivated to show up, and to be together with other moms in the group." - Amber Simpson

"I’m pretty sure I wouldn't be on track if I were doing this self-guided. And it has been really fun doing the live classes and getting to know the group! My low back pain hasn’t been an issue for weeks, and my pelvic heaviness (“is my vagina falling out?”) has also faded into the past. Emma’s experience and expertise is evident throughout the program. 10/10 recommend!" - Karen Bronson

"I laughed really hard this weekend and didn’t pee!!! I felt my core engage in the laughing and was so shocked that I was able to control my bladder!!!" - Ana Maria

Want to see more reviews and some incredible before/after photos? Click here

Click the link to learn more about my online postpartum 12 week course <<The Postpartum Protocol>>